Chapter VI: Part 6

_Adul._ That ere ye give me one, I will deserve twain--
By your licence, Madame! to take away this mote.

_Avar._ Nay! Honesty will not see a wem on your coat.
Now unto you I commend Reformation.

_Resp._ Of him is no small need now, in this nation.

_Oppr._ Well, now that ye bid me abuses to redress,
I doubt not all enormities so to repress,
As shall redound to your wealth and honour at length.

_Resp._ Thereto shall authority aid you with his strength.

_Avar._ Yea! for Authority to govern is most fit.

_Insol._ If ye, Dame Respublica! do me so admit,
I doubt not to hamper the proudest of them all.

_Resp._ And among you, destroy Avarice!

_Adul._ Hem!

_Insol. and Oppr._ We shall!

_Resp._ Vanquish Oppression and Adulation!
For those three have nigh wrought my desolation.

_Avar._ Hem, sirs! hem! there, keep your gowns close afore, I say!
Have ye forgotten now what I told you one day?
There is another, too, that would be chased hence.

_Resp._ Who is that?

_Avar._ Lucifer's son, called Insolence.

_Resp._ Ye say truth, and many naughty ones mo than he.

_Insol. and Oppr._ If ye dare trust us!

_Insol._ All!

_Oppr._ All shall reformed be!

_Resp._ I thank you; and, I trust you for my maintenance,
To be administere[d] for your good governance.

_Insol._ Then, without fear or care, ye may yourself repose.

_Oppr._ And let us alone with all such matters as those.

_Resp._ Then, I leave you here, on our affairs to consult.

[_Exeat_ RESP[UBLICA.

_Insol._ When you please, in God's name!

_Oppr._ We must both sift and bolt.

_Adul._ She is gone.

_Avar._ Well then, sirs! let us make no delay;
But, about our market depart, each man his way.

_Adul._ Nay! first let us sing a song to lighten our hearts.

_Avar._ Then are ye like, for me, to sing but of three parts.
Can Avarice['s] heart be set on a merry pin,
And see no gain, no profit at all coming in?

_Insol._ We shall have enough to drive away all sorrow.

_Avar._ Then sing we _On bowne viage!_ and _Saint George thee borrow!_

[_Cantent: "Bring ye to me and I to ye," etc. et sic exeant._

ACTUS TERTIA, SCENA PRIMA.

[RESPUBLICA.]

_Resp._ The good hope, that my masters have put me in,
To recover ruin that in me doth begin,
Hath so recomforted my spirits and mine heart,
That I feel much easement of my great grief and smart,
Now, I do less wonder that lost men, life to save,
Far from land do labour, against the roaring wave;
For hope, I see, hath mighty operation
Against the mortal sting of drooping desperation.
Now, if I might but hear what Policy hath wrought,
Or some one good thing that my friends to pass had brought,
I would put no doubts but all thing should soon be well--
Lo! where cometh Honesty: he will the truth tell.

ACTUS TERTII, SCENA SECUNDA

ADULATION. RESPUBLICA.

_Adul._ Three hundred pound by year, and a good manor place--
Well, it is metely well, in so short time and space!
More will come right shortly; this gear doth gaily walk.
Bones! here is Respublica, what use I such ta[l]ke?
I seek lady Respublica!

_Resp._ Lo, I am here!
And welcome, Honesty! what do my friends most dear?

_Adul._ Certes, Madame! we rest nor day, nor night, nor hour,
[To] practise and travail for your wealth and honour.
But, O Lord! what a prudent man is Policy!
What a deep head he hath to devise and to spy!

_Resp._ He is fine, indeed!

_Adul._ Also Reformation--
How earnest he is in his operation!

_Resp._ I think of him no less.

_Adul._ Now, then, Authority,
The stoutest in his office that ever I did see--
I will no farther praise them, Madame! for, doubtless,
They far surmount all praise that my tongue can express:
Ye may bless the time ye met with such as they be;
And I do my poor part.

_Resp._ I doubt not, Honesty!
And condign reward shall ye all have for your pain.

_Adul._ I have scarce an house wherein myself to maintain.

_Resp._ Honesty shall not lack.

_Adul._ I do not crave nor care;
We shall take but scraps and refuse, that ye may spare;
We will not encroach the people's commodity;
We shall take only that may come with honesty.

_Resp._ Christ's blessing have ye! but, lo! yonder cometh People.

_Adul._ I had thought as soon to have met here Paul's steeple!

ACTUS TERTII, SCENA TERTIA.

PEOPLE. ADULATION. RESPUBLICA.

_People._ Where's Rice-Puddingcake? I pray God she be in heal.

_Adul._ Who? Rice-Puddingcake?

_People._ Yea! alise dicts commonweal.

_Adul._ I know her not.

_People._ Mass! you liest valeslie in your heart!
She is this way, che wa'r't--a false harlot you art!

_Adul._ I know Respublica.

_People._ Yea, marry! where is she?

_Adul._ She is busy now.

_People._ Mass! ere ich go, chill her zee,
For this way she came.

_Resp._ Let my people come to me!

_Adul._ God forbid, else! Come on, People! is this same she?

_People._ Yea, malkin is't!

_Resp._ People! what would you with me now?

_People._ Marry, mustress, madame, my lady! how do you?

_Resp._ Even so so, People! I thank you with all my heart:
And I hope for better.

_People._ Then let poor volk ha zome part;
Vor we ignoram people, whom itch do perzent,
Wer ne'er zo i-polld, zo wrong, and zo i-torment.
Lord Jhese Christ, when he was i-pounst and i-pilate,
Was ner zo i-trounst, as we have been of years late.

_Adul._ How so? who hath wrought to you such extremity?

_People._ Nay! to tell how zo passeth our captivity.

_Resp._ It passeth any man's imagination.

_People._ You zai zouth; it passeth any man's madge mason;
Vor we think ye love us well as e'er ye did.

_Resp._ My love towards you, my people, cannot be hid.

_People._ And we think ye would we zelie poor volk did well.

_Resp._ And better than e'er ye did; if how, I could tell.

_People._ And we think ye would we zelie poor volk should thrive.

_Resp._ Yea, doubtless, as any like creature alive!

_Adul._ What need ye of her good will, towards you, to doubt?

_People._ Peace, thou, with zorow! and let me tell my tall owt.

_Resp._ Say on, my good People! let me hear your mind.

_People._ Bum vai! we ignoram people beeth not zo blind
But we passeive there falleth of corn and cattle,
Wull, sheep, wood, lead, tin, iron and other metal,
And of all things, enough vor good and bad,
And as commediens vor us, as e'er we had;
And yet, the price of everything is zo dear,
As though the ground did bring vorth no such, nowhere.

_Resp._ Indeed! I have enough, if it be well ordered;
But few folk the better, if I be misordered.

_People._ Nay! now you zai zouth; e'en this same way goeth the hare:
Ill ordering 'tis hath made both you and we threadbare.

_Adul._ What naughty folks were they? can you their names read?

_People._ Yea! that I scan; a whole mess of om for a need.
There is vorst and vormost Flattery--ill a thee!
A slipper, sugar-mouthed whorecop, as can be.
He fleareth on you, and beareth us fair in hand;
And, therewhile, robbeth both you and we of our land.
Then cometh the sour, rough, crabbed child Oppression:
He tumbleth whom a lust out of possession.
Then is there the third--I scannot member his name--
What call ye this same, fellows!--God give them a shame--
That beeth still climbing up aloft for promidence,
And cannot be content with their state!

_Adul._ Insolence?

_People._ Yea, this same is he, Zoriless!

_Resp._ Nay, Insolence!

_People._ Well, he'll roil all the roast alone, cha hard it zaid;
Or else, make the best of them aghast and afraid.
And zuch good men as could, and would, order you well,
He is so copped, he will not suffer to mell.
If they will not be rold, then hence, out of favour;
[Yea, and per]haps corrupt om zore vor their labour!
Yet he, and th' other twain work all after the vice
Of cha-forget-tone-name, t'other is Covetise.
This hungry whorecop hath such a policate wit,
That he teacheth them to rake and scrape up each whit.
And zo these vowre--but it shall never come out for me--
Volk think will never cease to spoil both you and me.
Vor, sometime they face us, and call us peason knaves;
And zwareth: God's bones! they will make us all slaves.
Therevore, chwas besirance your ladydom to zee,
And to give you warning.

_Resp._ Hear ye this, Honesty?

_People._ Well, and God amend all, and a be zo good a clerk--

_Resp._ Hear ye this, Honesty?

_People._ --though tinkers should lack work.

_Resp._ I am put in comfort all shall shortly amend--

_Adul._ It is in good way already; else, God defend!

_Resp._ Lo, People! hearest thou this? be of good cheer!

_People._ Yea! ich hear his vair words: but what beeth we the near?

_Resp._ People! understand ye that this is Honesty?

_People._ Where a be, trow? mass! cha zeen zome as zmothe as he,
Have be a trial, be vound valse flatterers to be.

_Resp._ I take this man for no such: this is Honesty!

_People._ A gay smoult smirking whorecop 'tis; zo mot I thee!

_Resp._ Well, credit my words, People! this is Honesty.

_People._ When Is[e] find it, chil believe it!

_Resp._ 'Tis Honesty!

_People._ I scry him mercy, then!

_Resp._ He and Authority,
Joining with Policy and Reformation,
Travail to restore th' old wealth to this nation.

_People._ Whough! then chil wa'r't all within two years as plenty
As 'twas any time within these years twice twenty:
But how may we know, and see, that this thing is true?

_Adul._ Ye shall prove, at length, by th' effect that shall ensue.

_People._ Nay! and we shall alway be served but with shales;
Then chil believe, e'en still, that vain words beeth but tales.

_Adul._ The thing, already, to such forwardness is brought,
That much to your benefit is already wrought.

_People._ Yea? what any good act have ye already done?

_Adul._ It is but young days yet; things are but now begun:
The fruit of our doings cannot so soon appear.
But, People! ye shall feel it within seven year:
Ye know it is no small work, from so great decay--

_Resp._ People! he saith truth.

_Adul._ --to set all in good stay.
Therefore, be ye quiet, and hope for a good end!

_People._ Yes! chil tarry laisure, and take what God shall send.

_Resp._ Then, People! let us twain depart in quietness;
For, this talking here may hinder their business.

_People._ Come on! I chil wait avore you, and be your man.

[_Exeant._

_Adul._ And I will to my fellows as fast as I can.
Be they gone? farewell, they! God send them both the pip!
But, in faith, People! I will have you on the hip;
I will be even with you for your broad carping--
Ah, ye peasant wretch! on us four to be harping!
And yet, must we our matters handle discreetly;
Or else, I fear, it will end not very sweetly.
But now, I would Avarice, or else Insolence,
Or Oppression were here rather than sixpence.
And lo, where Avarice cometh! a wolf in the tale,
(As the proverb saith)--what doth he after him hale?

ACTUS TERTII, SCENA QUARTA.

AVARICE. ADULATION. OPPRESSION.

_Avar._ Come on, sweet bags of gold! come on, with a good will!
I, on you so tender, and ye so froward still?
Come forward, I pray you, sweet bags! ah, will ye so?
Come! or I must draw you, whether ye will or no.
I know your desire; ye would fain be in my chest--
When the belly is full, the bones would be at rest!
Be content, awhile! I will couch you all up soon
Where ye shall not be spied, neither of sun nor moon.
What now, brother Honesty! what pry ye this way?
Is there anything here that is yours--can ye say?
Look off from my bags! it is a pretty matter:
Ye can see no green cheese but your teeth will water!

_Adul._ _In nomine Patris_, hast thou got all this sens?

_Avar._ Why, thinkest thou I have sat idle since I went hence?
Nay! I have filled my little purses too, each one.

_Adul._ Hast thou so indeed? thou art a fellow alone.

_Avar._ With old angelots and Edwardes I think I have.
Come forth! how say ye, sir? peep out, ye little knave!
How think you by this bunting? is he full or no?
And his fellows all, doth not their skin stretch for woe?
Now these little buttons, no bigger than two nuts,
Have they not played gluttons, and filled well their guts?

_Adul._ But look! who cometh yonder, puffing and tuffing?

_Avar._ Come the devil, if him lust, staring and snuffing!

ACTUS TERTII, SCENA QUINTA.

OPPRESSION. AVARICE. ADULATION.

_Oppr._ In all my whole life was I never wearier.

_Avar._ Come near, on God's half! the mo knaves, the merrier!
Where have ye lost your breath? in some coffer diving?

_Oppr._ Shouldering among them for a piece of a living.

_Adul._ And what, are you now in any good hope to thrive?

_Oppr._ Faith! if I lust, I may wear mitres four or five;
I have so many half bishoprics, at the least.

_Adul._ By th' arms of Calais! then am I a very beast.

_Avar._ Why, what hast thou gotten to thy share in this space?

_Adul._ Three hundred pound by the year, and one manor place.

_Avar._ Ah, the passion of God! three hundred pound! and no more?

_Adul._ Is not that fair for him that had nothing before?

_Avar._ What, three hundred pound by years! call thee Honesty?
Call thee a knave! thou shamest our fraternity!
Three hundred pound! if some man had been in thy room,
A thousand pound a year, ere this time, might have come.
Three hundred pound a year! against our next meeting
Get more! or, I shall give a homely greeting.

_Adul._ He here hath flitched the bishoprics already.

_Avar._ Yea! I can him thank; he hath been somewhat speedy.

_Oppr._ But yet have I left many a good gobbet loose:
Change thou for the rest! give a feather for a goose!

_Adul._ Didst thou with any one of them make such exchange?

_Oppr._ Yea! I almost left them never a farm nor grange.
I told them, Respublica at their wealth did grutch;
And, the fifth penny they had was, for them, too much.
So Authority and I, did with them so chop
That we left the best of them a threadbare bishop.
To some we left one house, to some we left none;
The best had but his see place, that he might keep home.
We informed them, and we deformed them;
We conformed them, and we reformed them!

_Adul._ And what gave ye them in your permutations?

_Oppr._ Bare parsonages of appropriations,
Bought from Respublica, and first emprowed;
Then at the highest extent to bishops allowed,
Let out to their hands for fourscore and [nineteen] year.

_Avar._ Lo, cousin Honesty! lo! do ye hear this gear?
Faith! your marsship will thrive at the latter Lammas!

_Adul._ I now grant myself to have been a very ass;
But all is not yet gone, in case I have good luck.

_Oppr._ No! there is yet enough left for a better pluck.
For some of them were aged, and yet would not die;
And some would, in nowise, to our desires apply.
But we have rods in piss for them everyone,
That they shall be fleeced, if we reign, one by one.

_Avar._ And how did all frame with our Mounsire Authority?

_Oppr._ At length he won the full superiority.

_Adul._ But the rude gross People at him repineth sore;
And against us, all four, with a wide throat doth he roar.
But soft! peace! methinketh I hear him hem and hake;
If we meet here, all four, we shall some order take.

ACTUS TERTII, SCENA SEXTA.

INSOLENCE. ADULATION. OPPRESSION. AVARICE.

_Insol._ What, mine old friends, all three? by my truth, sirs,
well found!

_Adul. and Oppr._ Faith, sir! most heartily welcome into this ground.

_Insol._ Bones! what have we here?

_Avar._ Aha!

_Insol._ Bags of money, I trow!

_Avar._ Have we? Nay! I have; but none for you, that I know!
Lo, sir! thus might an honest man come to his harms;
I will lie down on them, and keep them in mine arms.

_Insol._ Hast thou got all this? I myself have not so much.

_Avar._ Then have ye whole towns and castles; I have none such.
Yet will ye not deny, I judge, in my fancy,
That ye got them by the drift of me, Policy.

_Insol._ I confess that.

_Oppr._ All my lands are scarce so much worth.

_Avar._ They were less when I, Policy, first set you forth.

_Adul._ He hath purses with gold; would I had so many!

_Avar._ It were pity that such a goose should have any.
Your good marsship appointed me to crumbs and scraps;
But Policy will live by his neighbours, perhaps!
But thus, I see, you would poll me, an ye wist how;
Therefore, I will go hoard it, I make God a vow!
I will make it sure under mine doors and mine locks;
And, who but looketh that way, shall sit in nine stocks!

_Insol._ Nay! first declare to us how thou didst all this get.

_Avar._ For your learning I will you a spectacle set;
But first get ye from me, and stand a good way hence;
This shall not lie within your reach, by your licence!
Nay, yet farther! lest ye take my bags for bloodings;
For, such hungry dogs will slab up sluttish puddings.

_Adul._ Is it well now?

_Avar._ Yea! now hardely stand there still,
And the names of my bags to you declare I will.
First and foremost, this bag is my very clear gain
Of leases encroached, and forthwith sold again.
This bag is mine interest of this year's usury;
And this is of matters bolstered up with perjury.
This is bribes above my stipend in office;
This fifth I have by selling of benefices.
This is my rents that my clerks yearly render me,
To be and continue in office under me.
This same I got by sectorship of my mother--
A vengeance on her, old witch, for such another!
This bag have I kept of other sectorships whole,
Which the mad knaves would have scattered by penny dole.
This is of church goods, scraped up without a law;
For which was as quick scambling as ever I saw:
Of their plate, their jewels, and copes, we made them louts,
Stopping People's barking with linen rags and clouts.
They had th' altar cloths, th' albs, and amices,
With the sindons in which were wrapt the chalices.
This ninth hath beguiled the king of his custom;
This tenth of selling counterfeit wares hath come.
Now this eleventh is of tallow, butter, cheese,
Corn, rawcloths, leather--by stealth sent beyond seas.
This twelfth is of grain, bell-metal, tin and lead--
Conveyed out by creeks when Respublica was in bed.
This thirteenth I filled through facing out of daws,
Both from lands and goods, by pretence of the laws.
Thus, these thirteen small jobs are mine by Policy;
All men must shift for a poor living honestly.
If e'er I bestow them it shall be, the next Lent,
To the prior of Prickingham and his co[n]vent.

_Adul._ Well now, we may come near; may we not, if we lust?

_Avar._ Ye are near enough: out of my reach I dare you trust.

_Adul._ Well now, let us sing, if it please Authority;
To refresh our spirits it is restority.

_Insol._ I reck not, for company sake, to sing once [more].

_Avar._ I have less mind to sing now than I had before:
Then had I no lust to sing, because I was bare;
And now, how to keep that I have got, I do care.

_Oppr._ Solace we must needs have, when that we are weary.

_Adul._ It prolongeth life of man to be merry.

_Avar._ An if ye sing so much, Honesty! without fail,
Christ and you, at length, I fear, will make a battle.
But go to! sing on! if there be no remedy--
An ye look at my bags ye mar my melody.

_Cantent: "Hey, nony, nony, ho for money!" etc._

_Oppr._ Now, about profit devise we ourselves abroad.

_Avar._ Yea, and hear ye, masters! while time is, lay on load!
Consider! ye have but a time of haymaking;
And harvest is not mowed without painstaking.
Now, time will not tarry; and, therefore, take good heed!
Despatch while time serveth, and all your matte[r]s speed!
Time hath no rein nor bridle, but renneth apace!

_Insol._ Mark Policy's words, sirs! excellent in our case.

_Avar._ And time hath this one ungracious property:
To blab at length, and open all that he doth see.
Then, a daughter eke he hath, called Verity;
As unhappy a long-tongued girl as can be:
She bringeth all to light; some she bring[eth] to shame;
She careth not a groat what man hath thank or blame.
If men be praiseworthy, she doth so declare them;
And, if otherwise, in faith! she doth not spare them.

_Oppr._ We will feather our nests ere time may us espy;
Or Verity have power, our doings to descry.

_Avar._ Remember this verse: _Ut sint omnia salva,_
_Fronte capillata, post hec occasio calva._

_Oppr._ Make me understand that fine rag of rhetoric!

_Avar._ Lo! here a fine fellow to have a bishopric!
A verse of Latin he cannot understand;
Yet, dareth he presume, boldly to take in hand,
Into a deanery or archideaconry to chop;
And to have the livelood away from a bishop!

_Oppr._ A mercy! show thy verse, and leave this persuasion!

_Avar._ Forsooth, sir! it was of the goddess Occasion!
She weareth a great long tuffet of hair before;
And, behind, hath not one hair, neither less nor more!
Whereby is taught you that, when Occasion is,
Ye must take it betime, or of your purpose miss.

_Adul._ Then, while Occasion doth now serve so well,
I pray you, give ear to one thing that I must tell.

_Insol. and Oppr._ What is that?

_Adul._ Mounsire! if ye hear People mumbling,
Ye must storm, and sharply take him up for stumbling.
Ye would not think what he said, a little while since,
Of us, to Respublica, in mine own presence!

_Insol._ When I meet them next I shall tell them both my mind.

_Avar._ And Policy, to help you, will not be behind.

_Adul._ Gentle Respublica was soon pacified;
But People was sturdy, and would not be qualified.

_Avar._ Alas! good, poor, silly soul! bear her fair in hand,
And ye may win her, as you lust, to use her land.

_Oppr._ But of goddess Occasion one little more.

_Avar._ Marry, sir! even as I would have said before:
She standeth with winged feet on a rolling wheel,
To take flight or any grass may grow on her heel.
And, even while we stand, jangling in this presence,
I dare say she is flown twice twenty score mile hence.

_Oppr._ Yea? Cock's bones! then adieu!

_Insol._ Farewell!

_Adul._ And I am gone!

[_Exeant currentes._

_Avar._ Faith! and have after, as fast as I can, anon!
Now, my godamighties! as I did hither tug you,
So will I, on my back, to your lodging lug you;
And sure, if ye can be quiet there, and lie still,
I will shortly bring you mo fetlows; so I will.
I have a good benefice of an hundred marks:
It is small policy to give such to great clerks:
They will take no benefice but they must have all--
A bare clerk can be content with a living small!
Therefore, Sir John Lack-Latin, my friend, shall have mine;
And, of him, may I farm it for eight pounds or nine.
The rest may I reserve to myself for mine own share;
For, we are good feeders of the poor, so we are!
And we patrons are bound to see, (I do you tell),
The church patrimony to be bestowed well.
Other odd corners, besides these, I have many;
Which, with all good speed shall increase your comp[any].
Come on now, therefore! in faith! I do great wrong
To promise you lodging, and keep you thence so long. [_Exeat._

ACTUS QUARTI, SCENA PRIMA.

[RESPUBLICA.]

_Resp._ O, Lord! what may it mean to be thus borne in hand;
And yet, none amendment to feel, nor understand?
People doth daily and hourly to me resort,
Challenging my promise of relief and comfort.
I report to him, as my rulers do to me:
People still affirmeth that they devourers be.
The more I do him cheer, the more he doth despair.
I say, his wealth doth mend; he saith, it doth appair,
What should I judge of this? may it be credible,
Or, by any reason, may it be possible
That such four as those, in whom I have put my trust,
Showing such face of friendship, should be men unjust?
I will know if People feel yet any redress
Of his former sores, and of his rueful distress.
We shall meet soon, I doubt not, and talk together.

[_Intrat_ PEOPLE.

And lo! as I would wish, he approacheth hither.

ACTUS QUARTI, SCENA SECUNDA.

RESPUBLICA. PEOPLE.

_Resp._ Well met, People! what place go ye now unto?

_People._ I cham at the farthest to zee how you do.
We twain must oftwhiles come physic either other;
Vor, we beeth your children, and you beeth our mother.

_Resp._ And how do you mend now, in your thrift and your purse?

_People._ As zour ale in summer; that is, still worse and worse!

_Resp._ People, what should I say?

_People._ Nay, mass! I scannot tell:
But we ignorams all would fain ye should do well.
And how feel you yourself? better than ye did, trow?

_Resp._ Till God send better hap, rather decay than grow:
This bringeth me in a conceipt of jealousy--
Rather than much good would I speak with Policy.

_People._ Was not he drowned, trow, last year, when Conscience was?

_Resp._ I see him yonder appear; this cometh well to pass.

_People._ Is this same he?

_Resp._ Yea!

_People._ An ich heard not you zo zai
Chould zware a had be dead, or else clean run away!

ACTUS QUARTI, SCENA TERTIA.

[AVARICE.] RESPUBLICA. PEOPLE.

_Avarice._ O most noble lady! that I have not, of late,
Made to you relation how ye stand in state,
Hath not been of negligence, nor to wo[r]k by stealth;
But of my deep studies, devising for your wealth.

_Resp._ To hear the truth thereof, I wished you to see.

_People._ Doth you stud your brains, mas gentman!--pray you tell me!--
For our lady Ricepudding-cake's commodity?

_Avar._ I devise what I can for the prosperity
Of this Lady Respu[b]lica and her people.

_People._ That lie, ere this, is flown as far hence as Poule steeple!
I spray God, ye stud not, as cha hard of zome elves
That study for the common profit of their own selves!

_Avar._ To study for both your wealths, I am a debtor.

_People._ Vay, then! as good ne'er a whit, as ne'er the better.

_Avar._ I do nothing but compass therefore, without doubt.

_People._ I vay, then! thee vent too far a compass about,
Vor zome good might ha' be doon in all this season.

_Avar._ So there is, if to perceive it ye had reason!

_Resp._ Truly! I feel myself, hitherto, worse and worse.

_People._ And I svele the same, both in my ground and my purse;
Vive or zix year ago chad vowre kine to my pale;
And, at this prezent hour, cham scarce worth a good cow tail;
And that time chad a widge, and her vole and ten sheep;
Now, I scan geat nothing, myzelf and my wife to keep.
Then an chad, I be with the king's mass constable,
Chould zet myself vorth prettily, and zo chwas able;
Now, vor lack of a sallet, when my liege hath need,
Cham vain to take an hat of God's good on my head.
And vor God!--my dame, this is but small amendment!
I scomport me to you: how thinketh your judgment?
Compassing? ka! gentman! call ye this same compassing?
And, whom shall we twain thank? you, for this compassing?

_Avar._ No, sir!

_People._ Now, by the compass that God compassed!

_Resp._ Blame have they of God and man, that this compassed!

_People._ A small compass more, now, may zoon compass, by th' rood!
To make fowerty thousand volks hair grow through their hood!

_Avar._ That is their own fault; not the fault of Policy.

_Resp._ God above, He knoweth whose fault it is, and not I.

_People._ But did not ich, daily, give you warning?

_Resp._ Doubtless!

_People._ And did not ich plain me to you?

_Resp._ I grant no less!

_People._ And when ich made my mone, what would [ye] me tell?

_Resp._ As my hope was; that, at length, all thing should be well.

_People._ Compassing? ka!

_Resp._ People! I put trust in other.

_People._ Valse bezeivers of zembity, by God's mother!

_Avar._ Well, suffer me then, for my declaration,
To set Authority and Reformation;
That ye may both hear, and charge them as well as me.

_Resp._ With all my heart, good Policy! let it so be.
I pray you call them hither, if they may be got.

_People._ Anch hear om; I scan tell whe'er they say true or not!

ACTUS QUARTI, SCENA QUARTA.

AVARICE. INSOLENCE. RESPUBLICA. OPPRESSION. PEOPLE.

_Avar._ The foulest open-mouthed wretch that e'er ye heard!

_Insol._ Could thou, by no means, make the peasant afeard?

_Avar._ No! but anon, I trow! we shall his masship trim--
Convey her away; and then all we three chide him.
But, whist! and come apace!

_Resp._ I hear Policy's voice.

_Avar._ That I met you, so well, I do much rejoice:
Lady Respublica! would you come her before?

_Insol._ Madame, God ye save!

_Oppr._ And preserve for ever more!

_Resp._ This is happy hap ye come so soon together?

_Avar._ As I went I met them, both twain, hasting hither.

_Resp._ Never in better time!

_Insol._ Madame! what is your will?

_Oppr._ Is there any thing that you would say us until?

_Resp._ People crieth out, and I am much aggrieved
That we feel ourselves in nothing yet relieved.

_Oppr._ No? that is not true; many declare I can--

_Resp._ Even in brief words, I pray you, do it than.

_People._ Pray you let me spose with this same new come gentman.

_Insol._ No, sir!

_People._ Mass! but chil speak anch can spy my time whan?

_Oppr._ First, your priests and bishops have not as they have had.

_Resp._ [When] they had their livings, men were both fed and clad.

_Oppr._ Yea! but they ought not, by scripture, to be called lords.

_Resp._ That they rule the church, with scripture well accords.

_Oppr._ They were proud and covetous, and took much upon them.

_People._ But they were not covetous that took all from them!

_Oppr._ The coin also is changed.

_People._ Yea! from silver to dross--
'Twas told us vor the best: but poor we bear the loss!
When chad with zwet of brows got up a few small crumbs,
At paying of my debts ich could not make my sums.
My landlord, vor my corn, paid me zuch sums and zuch;
When he should ha't vor rent, it was but half zo much.
Zix pence in each shilling was i-strike quite away;
Zo, vor one piece ich took, che was vain to pay him tway.
One would think 'twere brass, and zorow have I else;
But, ich ween most part on't was made of our old bells!

_Insol._ Yet, if ye mark it well, for one piece ye have three;
Which, for your People is no small commodity.

_People._ Well, I will meddle in this same matter no more;
But Is reck not an 'twere zilver, as 'twas avor.

_Oppr._ People! ye shall, at length, find it all for the best.

_People._ Cha hard our parish clerk say:
_Diuum este, justlum weste_.

_Resp._ Undoubtedly, I feel many things are amiss!

_People._ Yea! I scan tell more things yet, an me lust, by Jis!
They have all the woods throughout the realm destroyed,
Which might have served long years, being well employed.
And then, the great cobs have zo take the rest to hire,
That poor volk cannot get a stick to make a fire.
Then their great grazing hath made flesh so dear, I wot,
That poor volk, at shambles, cannot bestow their groat.

_Resp._ I lament it, People! Alack! what may I do?
I, myself, I fear, shall come to ruin too.
Policy! what comfort? when will you ease my smart?

_Avar._ Ye are as safe, even now, but for your false heart,
As any lady of your name in Christendom.

_People._ If ich had zo zaid, chad lied, by my halidom!

_Resp._ Ye hear what People saith, which feeleth as I do?

_Avar._ But rude People's words, will ye give credit unto?
Will ye judge yourself after his foolish [jangling?]
Ye were well enough till he began his wrangling.

_Insol._ Will ye believe People, that hath no manner of skill
To judge, or to discern what thing is good or ill?
He is so headstrong, he must be bridled with laws.

_People._ Though zome be stark bedlams, yet wise volks beeth no daws!

_Insol._ We have oft found People most disobedient
To orders most requisite and expedient.
Who such a maintainer of wrong opinions
As People, in all countries and dominions?
Ye ought, therefore, to rebuke him, at all hours,
For discouraging any minister of yours.

_Oppr._ Ye must tarry time, ere we can your purpose serve.

_People._ Ye[a], and then, while the grass shall grow, the horse
shall sterve.

_Insol._ Do ye not see this, by all experience plain,
That men, from diseases recover[ed] again
Do, after sickness passed, remain a long time weak?

_Resp._ People, hark! Authority doth good reason speak.

_Insol._ So ye, though oppressed with long adversity,
Yet, doubt not! are toward wealth and prosperity.

_Resp._ Lo! People! to hope a while longer shall be best.

_People._ Well, then cham perswaged to do at your inquest.

_Insol._ Madame! mistrust not us, your painful ministers!

_Avar._ Never had lady more watchful officers!

_Oppr._ For my part, I will swear the gospel book upon,
That if the laws I have made should, everyone,
Redound to mine own singular commodity,
They could not be friendlier framed than they be.

_Insol._ Therefore, repose yourself, Madame, awhile, and wink!
Ye are in better case toward than you can think.

_Avar._ We shall here remain, and give People good counsel;
Quiet for to be, till Policy may prevail.

_Resp._ He will do well with your good informations.

_People._ Yea, vay! chil volow their good exaltations.

_Resp._ Then I leave you all here to God: I will depart.

[_Exeat_ RESP[UBLICA].

_People._ Now, ho! destructions to member in my heart?

_Avar._ Destructions? ye miser!

_Insol._ Ye peasant!

_Oppr._ Ye lout!

_Insol._ [Can ye naught] else do but rage, and rave, and cry out?

_Oppr._ And cannot tell on whom?

_Avar._ No more than can a daw!

_Oppr._ Crow against your betters!

_Insol._ And murmur against the law!
Let me hear thee prate as thou hast done heretofore!

_Avar._ Or trouble Lady Respublica any more!

_Oppr._ Thou canst not see, thou wretch! canst thou, when thou
art well?

_Avar._ Is't part of thy play with such high matters to mell?

_Insol._ Doth it become thee to bark with such a wide throat?

_Avar._ And to have an oar in everybody's boat?

_Insol._ If thou do so again, it shall with thee be worse.

_Oppr._ We shall wring and pinch thee, both by belly and purse.

_Insol._ I would advise you, friend! to grunt and groan no more.

_Oppr._ Do the like again, and thou shalt rue it full sore!

_Avar._ It were best for you, friend! all murmuring to cease.

_People._ Bum vay, then! chil e'en go home, and vair hold my peace.

_Insol._ Do so by my rede, and fall to honest labour.

_Avar._ Hence home, and be quiet! and thou shalt find favour.

_People._ Then chil bid you varewell!

_Oppr._ No words, but hence, apace!
This was done as should be.

_Avar._ This was done in right place.

_People._ But ho! one word erch go; ye'll give volk leave to think?

_Oppr._ No, marry! will we not, nor to look, but wink!

_People._ Yes, by Gis! but chil lo[ok]; nay, lo there! thought is free,
And a cat, they zaith, may look on a king, pardy! [_Exeat._

_Insol._ Now, where do we be come? I, home! [_Exeat._

_Oppr._ And I abroad! [_Exeat._

_Avar._ And I must see what feet about my door have trod.

[_Exeat._

ACTUS QUINTI, SCENA PRIMA.

[MISERICORDIA.]

_Miser._ Wherein appeareth the graciousness of God
More than, infinitely to exceed man's goodness,
But that He keepeth back the sharp stroke of His rod
When man would rage in most furious woodness?

Scarce any amends may man's eagerness appease;
Yea, and though he forgive, he will not soon forget;
Towards true penitence God's wrath forthwith doth cease,
And He, their past sins, behind His back doth set.

Of long sufferance He is with weakness to bear,
While any hope of amendment doth remain;
And though He plague sinners, to call them home by fear,
Yet His mercy and grace are aye ready again.

His grievous displeasure dureth not for ever.
And why? _quia miserationes ejus_;
Which to show He chiefly delighteth ever,
_Manent super omnia opera ejus_.

It grieveth Him sore when He must needs take vengeance;
His delight and glory is mercy to practise;
His tender compassion, on true repentance,
He hath still, from the beginni[n]g, sought t' exercise.

The mass of this world in His mercy did He frame:
The sky, earth, and sea His mercy replenished;
In His mercy did He after redeem the same,
When else, remediless, it must have perished.

In His mercy was Israel delivered
From the 'gyptian thraldom and captivity;
In His mercy the same through the Red Sea was led;
And through wilderness to a land of liberty.

Sith that time all commonwealths He hath protected;
And to such as, with earnest prayer, have made moan,
Me, Compassion, He hath amically directed
To revive and recover them every one.

Now, lastly, hath he heard the most doleful lament
Of woeful Respublica, his darling most dear!
Therefore me, Compassion, with speed he hath sent,
Her most sorrowful heart to recomfort and cheer.

I tarry her coming that I may her salute:
And lo! methinketh I see her appear in place;
Of friendship devoid, and of succour destitute--
I will hear her, and then give words of solace.

ACTUS QUINTI, SCENA SECUNDA.

RESPUBLICA. MISERICORDIA. AVARICE. ADULATION.

_Resp._ O Lord! hast Thou for ever closed up Thine ear?
Wilt Thou never more the desolate's prayer hear?
Wilt Thou still turn away Thy face from my distress?
Wilt Thou clean forsake me and leave me comfortless?
The secret sighs, and sobs, and prayers of mine heart,
Shall they not forever Thine eyes to me convert?
I grant that mine offences have so much deserved;
But for whom, save sinners, is this mercy reserved?
[Thou reservst it] so, which hitherto hath been just;
Despair, Lord! I will not; nor Thy goodness mistrust.
Lo[ok] down on my distress! and for Thy glory sake,
Though I be ill worthy it, mercy on me take!

_Miser._ Now will I speak to her.

_Resp._ Who maketh me afeard?

_Miser._ No, I will thee comfort: God hath thy prayer heard;
And now, Respublica, be of good hope and trust!

_Resp._ O Lord! now do I see that Thou art ever just.

_Miser._ I am sent to recomfort thee, Respublica!

_Resp._ O Lady Compassion! Misericordia!

_Miser._ What say ye to me? What, woman! can ye not speak?
I am come down, all your sorrows at once to break.
Speak, woman!

_Resp._ Misericordia!

_Miser._ Out, comfortably!
Ye shall have now no more cause to speak despairably.

_Resp._ My heart, in God's mercy, is so dilated,
That my very spirit to heaven is elated.
O Lady Compassion! welcome, verament!
Ever be God praised that you, to me, hath sent!

_Miser._ Now that I have put you in sure hope of relief,
I must go fet Verity to try out all your grief.
Verity shall oper how your decay hath grown;
And then, the causers thereof shall be overthrown.

_Resp._ Who be the causers thereof I cannot discern:
But yond cometh one of them that do me govern.

_Miser._ What is his name?

_Resp._ Policy!

_Miser._ Policy is good;
He doth work you many good things of likelihood.

_Avar._ A vengeance upon him! and God give him His curse!
I am besieged now of every cutpurse;
I can go nowhere now; in city, neither town,
But Piers Pickpurse playeth at organs under my gown.

_Miser._ What talketh he?

_Avar._ Who speaketh yond, Respublica?

_Resp._ What of the pickpurse?

_Avar._ Forsooth, dame Respublica!
I said, an we had two pillories mo, 'twere no the worse;
For it is a light thing now to meet Piers Pickpurse.
God preserve you, right fair lady! and Christ you save!
Who are you? and what would ye in this country have?

_Resp._ This same is the Lady Misericordia,
Sent from God purposely.

_Avar._ Unto you, Respublica?

_Miser._ Yea!

_Avar._ Then must ye needs be most heartily welcome:
We had ne'er more need of you, by my halidom!
There be in this country which, but ye comfort [send],
Are full like to make both a mad and a short end.

_Miser._ I will go to do that I said, Respublica!
And return with speed.

_Resp._ Sweet Misericordia!

[_Exeat_ MI[SERICORDI]A.

_Avar._ Good Misericordia, now! and lady most dear!--
Christ blister on your heart! what make you here?

_Resp._ Come back, Policy!

_Avar._ I come!

_Resp._ Whither would ye now?

_Avar._ Convey myself hence honestly, if I wist how.

_Resp._ When come ye, Policy? what look ye? something lost!

_Avar._ Anon! if I tarry, it will turn to my cost.

_Resp._ Ah, friend, Policy!

_Avar._ Yea!

_Resp._ Now shall I be in bliss.

_Avar._ Thanks to God!--we must find provision for this.

_Resp._ Ha!

_Avar._ Did not I e'er tell you that God would you save?
Ye may see now what it is, good rulers to have.

_Resp._ Ye say truth; but look! yonder cometh Honesty.

_Avar._ Pray God, amen!

_Resp._ Yes, look else!

_Avar._ What news bringeth he?

_Adul._ I should speak a word in th' ear of Policy;
If I may not so, I will speak it openly.

_Resp._ I have not seen you a great while, Honesty.

_Adul._ O noble Lady Respublica! well you be?

_Resp._ All shall be now, such news I have to me brought.

_Adul._ I hear it told for truth, Policy, all will be nought.

_Resp._ Hearest thou any joyful news abroad, or not?

_Adul._ Yea! I have certain news, which are both brim and hot.
There is new start-up, a lady called Verity.

_Resp._ Then am I all safe, and sure of prosperity.
How was it spoken?

_Adul._ This is Latin, gross and blunt:
_Misericordia et Veritas sibi obviaverunt_;
That is, Mercy and Truth are both met together.

_Resp._ Then will it not be long ere they both come hither.

_Avar._ Hither? how so?

_Resp._ Yea, both Mercy and Verity.

_Avar._ A pestle on them both, saving my charity!
But soft, brother Honesty! ye might mistake it:
Of which Verity was't, trow you, that they spake it?

_Adul._ Of the general Verity, Old Time's daughter.

_Avar._ Faith! they were not our friends that first hither brought her.
Old Time's daughter? that shuttle-brained, tall, long man!
That ne'er standeth still, but flyeth as fast as he can,
Much like as he swimmed or glided upon ice?

_Adul._ Yea!

_Resp._ For all that, of wise men, he is thought most wise.

_Avar._ I know him; he carrieth a clock on his head;
A sand glass in his hand, a dial in his forehead.

_Resp._ Ye say truth, Policy: the same is very he.

_Avar._ Old Time, the eavesdropper: I know him, pardy!
An ancient turner of houses upside down,
And a common consumer of city and town.
Old Time's daughter, (quod he?), I shrew his naked heart!
Many of my friends hath he brought to pain and smart.
Compassion and that Truth come hither to you?

_Resp._ Mercy, before ye came, promised so right now.

_Avar._ It is no time now, Honesty, to be idle.

_Adul._ Something breweth?

_Avar._ It is time for us to bridle.
Well, go your ways, afore, in all haste, Honesty:
And tell Reformation and Authority
That both these ladies, in all goodly fashion,
Must be entertained here in this nation.
Madame Respublica! is't not your pleasure so?

_Resp._ What else? in all the haste, Honesty, see ye go:

_Avar._ Say further, that I would we four, anon, might meet
Here, or where they will, save in the open street.
And hear you, Honesty!

_Adul._ What now?

_Avar._ A little near!
Provide in any wise that Verity come not here:
Let Insolence and Oppression keep her hence.

_Adul._ We shall, all three, therein do our best diligence.

_Avar._ Bid them well remember the world will wax quaisy;
Some of us, ere long, may hap leap at a daisy;
Or put out the _i_ of Misericordia,
And without an _i_ play e'en plain trussing corda.

[_Exeat_ ADUL[ATION].

_Resp._ Policy, what is it that ye talk there so long?

_Avar._ I send instructions that they may not do wrong.

_Resp._ Send ye aught to him that may not be told to me?

_Avar._ Should we with ery trifling trifle trouble ye?
Well then, ye look for these two ladies, [I am sure].

_Resp._ I trust they will not fail on me to do their cure.

_Avar._ I told you ever, did I not, that your wealth would frame?

_Resp._ I shall reward your pains: or else I were to blame.

_Avar._ Then best I go now straight to my fellows and see--

_Resp._ That things needful for us may not unready be;
Do so, I pray you!

_Avar._ Fare ye well, Respublica,
Till I see you next! [_Exeat._

_Resp._ Now, Misericordia!
When shall be thy pleasure? bring hither Verity?
Behold! e'en with the word speaking, where they both be.

_Intrant_ MI[SERICORDI]A _and_ VERITAS.

ACTUS QUINTI, SCENA TERTIA.

MISERICORDIA. VERITAS. RESPUBLICA.

_Miser._ I daresay Respublica thinketh the time long.

_Ver._ Who can blame her, having endured so much wrong?
But as meat and drink, and other bodily food
Is never found to be so pleasant, nor so good,
As when fretting hunger and thirst hath pinched afore;
And as health after sickness is sweeter evermore,
So, after decay and adversity overcome,
Wealth and prosperity shall be double welcome.

_Miser._ How now, Respublica? have I not been long hence?

_Resp._ Come ye first or last, ye bless me with your presence.

_Miser._ As I was commanded, I bring you Verity,
To help you, your people, and their posterity.

_Ver._ Dear jewel Respublica! I do you embrace.

_Resp._ I thank your goodness, and submit me to your grace.

_Miser._ Embrace Verity for ever, Respublica,
And cleave fast to her!

_Resp._ Yes, Misericordia!

_Miser._ Now please it you to declare, sister Verity!
How she may recover her old prosperity;
Her honour, her wealth, her riches, her substance,
Her commons, her people, her strength, and her puissance.

_Ver._ All this will be recovered incontinent;
And, to better state also, by good government.

_Resp._ No lady of my name upon earth, I esteem,
Hath had better administers than mine have been:
Policy, Reformation, and Authority.

_Miser._ These three be very good.

_Resp._ And the four[th], Honesty.

_Ver._ But what if these, which have had you and yours to keep,
Have been ravening wolves in the clothing of sheep?

_Resp._ If I heard not you, Verity, such sentence give,
By no man's persuasion I could it believe.

_Ver._ Ah, good Respublica! thou hast been abused;
Whom thou chosest are vices to be refused.
Whom thou callst Honesty, is Adulation;
And he that in pretence was Reformation,
Is indeed Oppression and huge violence;
Whom thou callst Authority, is proud Insolence;
Then he that was Policy, the chief man of price,
Indeed is most stinking and filthy Avarice.
He first inveigled thee, and his purpose to frame,
Cloaked each of these vices with a virtuous name.

_Resp._ Benedicite! is this a possible case?

_Ver._ Ye shall see it proved true before your own face;
They shall be convinced before you, one by one.

_Resp._ O Lord! what marvel if my thrift were well nigh gone?
But what redress shall I have hereof? and when?

_Miser._ Such as may be most fit, and as soon as we can.
Justice and peace are appointed to descend;
Th' one to keep you quiet; the other you to defend.
As soon as we four sisters together shall be met,
An order for your establishment shall be set:
By the eternal providence it is decreed so.

_Resp._ O most merciful Lord, all praise be thee unto!

_Miser._ I will leave you here with my sister Verity,
And learn of their coming with all celerity.

_Ver._ Ye need not; for I know they be now very near;
And, behold! they begin already to appear.

ACTUS QUINTI, SCENA QUARTA.

PAX. JUSTITIA. VERITAS. MISERICORDIA. RESPUBLICA.

_Peace._ Now, once again, in God let us two sisters kiss,
In token of our joining to make a perfect bliss.

_Justitia._ And now, let us never be sundered any more
Till we may Respublica perfectly restore.

_Ver._ Let us meet them, sister Misericordia!

_Miser._ And unto their sight present Respublica.

_Just., Pax._ All hail, most dear sisters, Mercy and Verity!
And, all hail, Respublica, with all sincerity!

_Resp._ O ye ladies celestial! how much am I bound
With thanks to fall flat before you on the ground,
That ye thus vouchsafe a forlorn creature
By your heave[n]ly protection to recure.

_Just._ I, Justice, from heaven am come you to visit.

_Pax._ And I, Peace, for ever with you to inhabit.

_Miser._ And all we four sisters, to th' utmost of our power,
Shall restore, establish, and defend your honour.

_Just._ We shall first restore your most happy estate,
And suppress all them that had made you desolate.

_Ver._ Verity shall all truth open as it is.

_Just._ I, Justice, shall redress whate'er is found amiss.

_Miser._ I, Mercy, where the member may recured be,
Shall temper the rigour and slake extremity.

_Pax._ I, Peace, when th' uncurable is clean cut away
And th' ill made good, shall flourish for ever and aye.

_Resp._ And I, which cannot otherwise your goodness deserve,
Shall your wholesome directions duly observe.
And what if Insolence shall come, or Avarice?

_Ver._ Detest them, abhor them, and refuse their service.
I doubt not but they will be still haunting hither,
Till we four shall them four take here altogether.

_Miser._ Now, sisters! go we, and Respublica with us,
To be new apparelled otherwise than thus.

_Just._ Come on, Respublica! with us to wealth from woe:
God hath given us in charge that it must be so.

_Ver._ The blissful renovation ye shall reign in
Must, from henceforth, now immediately begin.

[_Cantent: "The mercy of God," et exeant, etc._

ACTUS QUINTI, SCENA QUINTA.

AVARICE. ADULATION.

_Avar._ Such greedy covetous folk as now-of-days been,
I trow, before these present days were never seen;
An honest man can go in no place of the street
But he shall, I think, with an hundred beggars meet.
"Give for God's sake!" "Give for saint Charity!"
"Give for our Lady's sake!" "Give for the Trinity!"
"Give in the way of your good-speed!" "Give, give!" "Give, give!"
Find we our money in the street, do they believe?
If I had not a special grace to say Nay,
I were but undone amongst them, in one day.
But who cometh yond? Honesty? he cometh in haste.

_Adul._ I seek Policy.

_Avar._ Here, boy!

_Adul._ All is in waste!

_Avar._ How so?

_Adul._ We strive against the stream, all that we do.

_Avar._ Wherein?

_Adul._ That Verity come not this place unto.
For wot ye what?

_Avar._ I shall when he have spoke the word.

_Adul._ Justice, and Peace too, with full consent and accord
Are come down from heaven and have kissed together.

_Avar._ God give grace that they twain also come not hither!

_Adul._ As Mercy and Truth _sibi obviaverunt_,
So _Justicia et Pax osculatae sunt_.

_Avar._ Is it true? are they come?

_Adul._ And have kissed together.

_Avar._ Then carry in apace for fear of foul weather.
Have they kissed together?

_Adul._ Yea!

_Avar._ What needeth that?
Men should kiss women--and what point be they at?

_Adul._ All the four sisters, I do you t' understand,
Have already taken Respublica in hand.
They four progress with her in every border,
And mar all that ever we have set in order.

_Avar._ And what doth Insolence, or what saith he to that?

_Adul._ He stampeth, he stareth, and snuffeth sore thereat.

_Avar._ I advise him to storm, and to show himself stout:
They be women and perchance may be faced out;
And Peace is an honest lady and a quiet.

_Adul._ Verity and Justice are not for our diet.